Crudo is the brainchild of couple Yanez and Socorro who met in Miami, where ceviche is a popular go-to for a quick bite. Hailing from Venezuela, they know a thing or two about how to make good ceviche, but when moving to London were disappointed to find that the dish wasn’t readily available, and could only be found in restaurants with a hefty price tag.
Crudo is now the city’s first convenient restaurant that focuses on this healthy seafood dish, and guests can choose from a vast selection of ingredients and styles, as well as a few other South American options. At lunch, guests can expect sea bass with leche de tigre, quinoa, avocado, sweet potato, cancha corn and plantain chips, as well as vegan options that swap out fish for chickpeas. Come evening, start off with a pastel de choclo, a Peruvian savoury corn cake with pico de gallo, tequila pickled cucumber sunomono or the Brazilian ‘pao de queijo’ cheese buns and guava-rocoto dip. Follow up with a selection of small plates like beetroot tartare on corn tostada with rocoto-miso and avocado puree, and octopus with criolla sauce, lime and smoked paprika.
During the week, oyster and Pisco Sour lovers can rejoice, as there is a happy hour which serves up both at a discounted price. There is also an impressive cocktail and wine list featuring the likes of Margaritas, Mojitos and skin-contact orange wines.
The interiors, much like the food, are pared-back, with the odd pop of colour. Stone walls, wooden tables and vibrantly-painted chairs set the scene in this laid-back diner, lending itself well as both a casual spot for a mid-week dinner with friends, as well as a vibey spot for a date.